Participation in Public Discussion

27.6.2024

The Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science and International Relations participated in a public discussion.

On June 25, Olena Mezhenska, Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science and International Relations of the Educational and Research Institute of Social and Humanitarian Sciences of LTSNU, took part in a public discussion on the topic: “The strategy of cognitive de-occupation, or what Ukraine can oppose to the policy of the Russian Federation in the temporarily occupied territories”, which was organized by the National Platform for Stability and Cohesion in partnership with the Representation of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

During the event, the Strategy of cognitive de-occupation of Crimea was discussed, as well as the principles and tools of cognitive de-occupation of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, which is an important component of state policy. Cognitive de-occupation is extremely important for maintaining the stability and successful reintegration of the occupied territories, and as it is designed to create a general climate of trust and cohesion, which strengthens stability.

The aggressor constantly and actively promotes imperial and post-imperial myths and corresponding cognitive instructions. Its task in the temporarily occupied territories is the destruction of Ukrainian identity. On this occasion, Olena Nizhelska (Luhansk region) noted that Luhansk region, which is completely occupied, disappears from the Ukrainian information space – if we hear any news, it is mostly stories of betrayal, not heroism. Therefore, our task is to maintain ties with fellow citizens on the TOT, communicate using narratives that we form ourselves, reduce the social distance between us, and restore rights and freedoms. This is hard work with the consciousness of our fellow citizens, who are forced to survive in the occupation, which requires time and a set of specific tools.

These findings can be used in the courses “Theory and Practice of Public Administration” and “Fundamentals of Public Service”.

Department of Political Science and International Relations